Tolkien Calendar: The Hobbit

In this section, we have one of Tolkien's many riddles. Bilbo and the dwarves do not remember the riddle at this point, so the dwarves let their frustrations overcome them. They beat at the door with their axes. Of course, this doesn't work, so they retire. But, Bilbo sits and ponders, trying to remember the riddle. His patience proves valuable, since during his pondering a thrush comes and knocks on a snail, reminding Bilbo of the riddle. He then remembers how to get inside.

This is a good example of the contrast of our characters in this story. As the dwarves get closer to the treasure, they get more and more stubborn and make more mistakes since their minds are only on the treasure, and not on the path and journey. Bilbo, on the other hand, is learning as he goes. He is growing and applying all the experiences of this journey to the decisions he's making. His decision to take and hide the most coveted of the treasure from the dwarves, and convince them to take refuge in the hidden bay, is a decision made because the dwarves do not seem to have the ability to think about protecting themselves. They are only thinking about treasure, whereas Bilbo is thinking about the whole picture.

I think this passage is a good example of how Tolkien incorporated messages of strength, honor, and how to live a good life within his work. He is showing us that Bilbo is gaining a much more precious thing from this journey than the dwarves are. Bilbo is gaining wisdom, patience, courage, and initiative. The dwarves think the journey is only about the treasure they seek, and fail to learn from the experiences they encounter. What good is a journey, if you do not grow and learn from it?